Theatre I
Calvary Christian Academy
Fall/Spring 2025-2026
BLOCK 3
Tracy McCoy E-mail: TracyM@[Link]
Office Hours: by appt. Phone: 407-719-6688
954-905-5150 office
Course Description: This class will focus heavily on basic acting skills mime, sense
memory, substitution, voice, diction, projection, stage direction through exercises and
monologue work. In addition we will study the tenants of Comedy, Tragedy,
Melodrama, Commedia, and Musical Theatre. We’ll also visit improvisation, auditioning
tools, basic stage make-up, and theatre etiquette & ministry. Each student will be
expected to keep a journal recording personal observations & notes. Most of the material
studied will be briefly discussed in class, and practically applied, but relies heavily on
personal study throughout the week for personal growth.
Course Objectives: By the end of the year each student should be able to articulate
aspects of several theatre styles, know their way around a stage and be able to perform 2
contrasting monologues at performance level. General goals for all theatre classes are as
follows:
RESPECT It's essential that every artist learn respect for their fellow actors, as well as their
instructors/directors/designers
ENCOURAGEMENT It is my desire to instill a sense of responsibility in young artists to be
encouragers for one another, especially in order to set them apart as Christian artists. It is also
my intent to encourage students by helping them identify and build on their own personal
strengths.
FOCUS This is key in being a fine performer, as well as an ambassador for Christ. I hope to
exemplify the importance of taking the focus off self, and toward Christ in everything, always
thinking of heavenly treasures as opposed to earthly accolades.
EXCELLENCE I believe it is our duty to always strive for excellence in all we do.
ARTISTIC INTEGRITY I will stress the importance of artistic integrity from actors to designers to
writers to directors. We need to be ARTISTS who are Christians in order to have an impact and
live up to our responsibility in this field, having compassion & respect for our peers of different
backgrounds.
Class Requirements:
The format of this class includes interactive improvisational experiences, class
participation, memorization, presentations, group discussions, and thoughtful reflection.
This class requires some written work, reading, group work, as well as preparation time
outside of allotted class time.
Text: 2
1. King Lear (student responsibility to get copy)
2. Brighton Beach Memoirs (edited copy provided)
3. The Miracle Worker(copy provided)
4. Hand-outs from many sources (copy provided)
5. Notebook: Will be all electronic this year on your to class for reflections.
6. Acting Is Believing-Charles McGraw
*Books to purchase for CCA Theatre program are spread out across 4 years, so that you aren't
buying all the books at once. We'll study, utilize, and reference these books frequently, so you
will need them for class. These are not TEXT BOOKS, they are various Theatre books on
different acting styles and techniques that you'll want to keep in your permanent library.*
Supplies:
1. Script, Pencil, Notebook, Water Bottle, Proper Attire - You MUST bring your
texts to every class, dance clothes optional, closed toed shoes you can move in.
Course Policies:
1. Attendance is Mandatory. You are expected to attend and participate in each class,
arriving promptly and staying until class is over. Theatre courses depend upon participation, and
class work (including exams and presentations/performances) can be made up, in a timely manner
as dictated by school policy. If you are absent or go AWOL on a day you are to perform-or give
a presentation, the result is an automatic F unless you have an excused absence, and you are
responsible for obtaining any missed work.
2. Participation is Mandatory and means more than just being present in class. Participation
and involvement require concentration, thoughtful speaking and listening in discussions, respect
for others in the group, cooperatively working in small groups, and a commitment to the class.
You will be graded on both the quality and quantity of your participation.
3. Late Work is Accepted only for excused absence according to school policy timeline, and
any incomplete assignment constitutes a zero.
4. Academic misconduct such as copying/cheating will not be tolerated. (See Parent-Student
Handbook)
Plagiarism, sometimes labeled as “literary theft,” is defined as follows: “Plagiarism is using
someone else’s
ideas or words without giving them proper credit. Plagiarism can range from unintentional
(forgetting to
include a source in a bibliography) to intentional (buying a paper online, using another writer’s
ideas as
your own to make your work sound smarter). Beginning writers and expert writers alike can all
plagiarize. Understand that plagiarism is a serious charge in academia, but also in professional
settings” (Purdue Writing Lab).
5. Cheating is to act dishonestly in an academic sense by providing and/or receiving
answers. This includes, but is not limited to the following: copying or paraphrasing from
another's work without correct attribution; utilizing artificial intelligence without teacher
permission to complete work; providing work for another student to copy or use;
communicating answers or questions on an assessment; taking or receiving pictures of
assessments; taking or receiving copies of an exam; using or displaying notes, “cheat
sheets,” or other information during the assessment, physical or digital; allowing others to
complete work and submit it as their own; collaborating with others on assignments or
assessments without permission from the teacher.
The above description of plagiarism and cheating are binding on any and all assignments
and assessments students may complete for any class, whether it be formal or informal.
Written work, projects, homework, and assessments should reflect each individual
student’s original work or idea. In the case of writing assignments, if ideas are shared
between students, those ideas should be cited in an individual’s papers.
AI Policy (Please see the Parent-Student Handbook for the full policy on AI Use)
In an era of AI, the lines around what is acceptable may be blurred. It is important that students
maintain credibility
and honesty in their work. The following guidelines will help provide direction when using AI in
school:
● Students are responsible for their own work. This means the use of an AI tool to generate a
response in part or in full to an assignment and claim it as their own is considered plagiarism.
● AI-generated text is not considered original work and is not an approved source for student work
unless directed by a teacher for a specific assignment. Students must cite all sources that are used.
● Students must be transparent about their use of AI in their work. This means that students must
identify any AI-generated content used in their work, and they must explain how it was used.
● Students must be aware of the potential for AI to be used to cheat or plagiarize. If students are
unsure whether or not their use of AI is fair and honest, they should ask their teacher for guidance.
6. If you have any special needs/requirements/limitations please
notify me immediately, so I may still include you in the course, while
keeping you safe.
7. Misconduct of any kind i.e. Disrespect to teachers or
students, physical altercations, harassment, etc. will not be
tolerated. Please review CCA conduct guidelines Parent-Student
Handbook
8. Journals are an important part of every theatre class, and a significant portion of your
grade.
Assignments Grading for Theatre I
Each week general assignments include but may not be limited to:
Class journal
Weekly Homework assignments
Participation
Reading Material
Final presentations (performance: monologues, songs, scenes, etc.)
Attending the Fall HS Play and Spring Musical
Attending a Professional Show 1st semester
Written Exam
Final grade will be calculated as follows:
Process Assessments: (Classwork & Homework Assignments) 50% of the grade
Product Assessments: (Large Individual & Group Projects & Tests) 50% of the grade
Grade Distribution: A 90-100; B 80-89; C 70-79; D 60-69; F <60
4
Note: This grading system is a very objective one (following strict RUBRIC).
Completing assignments and participating ensures a good grade. Students are not
judged subjectively by talent or performance. It is also important to remember that
theatre is fundamentally an exploration of the human condition, and covers a wide range
of human behavior. Sometimes this evokes certain discussions/subject matter that is
prevalent to the students’ lives, which for some may be uncomfortable. Please trust that
all material/exercises/discussions covered are led appropriately based upon Biblical
principles through a Christian perspective.
DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS
A WEEKLY NOTEBOOK:
As responsible artists, it is important that you begin and/or continue thinking about your
own thinking. Each week requires one entry of personal reflection, observation, and/or
ideas gathered from class and/or assignments.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS: Each week you will receive some form of written or
reading assignment. Occasionally it may be a “project” to work on and bring in to class.
A WRITTEN EXAM: At the end of each semester a written exam will be given on all
covered material.
ATTENDING A PROFESSIONAL SHOW: Each student is required to attend all
CCA productions i.e. Middle School Musical, HS Fall Play, and HS Spring Musical.
They must bring in a program/ticket stub/and written review of the show. Students will
receive extra credit for attending a professional show or a Palm Beach Atlantic
Production. (Suggested Professional theatre companies: Shakespeare Festival, Orlando
REP, Broadway series at Broward Center, Kravis Center or Amway Arena, Island City
Stage, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Miami Theatre Center, etc…) And any class scheduled trips
(calendar posted on MYCCA)
A FINAL PRESENTATION: The final presentation for each semester will be
performing the monologues and/or scenes worked on in class.
CONTACTING INSTRUCTOR
Please contact me via email for all class correspondence i.e. class
descriptions/grades/assignments at Tracym@[Link]
This will be the most efficient way for me to be thorough and have a record of your
inquiry. If you need to set an appointment to discuss something further or in detail,
please email me with that request, and we can set an appointment together. If there is an
EMERGENCY during class time you may contact my cell at 407-719-6688, however,
during class time you will be forwarded to my voice mail, and you can leave a message.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Theatre I
Subject to change, based on needs of class
Safe Space Wk 1 Trust Learn Names
Safe Space Wk 2 Bonding/basic acting Evaluations (done in class)
Safe Space Wk 3 Mime/sense memory/substitution Written description of every day activity
Safe Space Wk 4 Basic Voice/diction/projection Bring in Tongue twisters
Theatre Etiquette Wk 5 Theatre Etiquette/protocol/chain of command Sketches for Battle week
Theatre Etiquette Wk 6 Parts of Stage/types Create puppet scene
Theatre Etiquette Wk 7 Terminology Perform Bunraku scenes
Theatre Ministry Wk 8 Create Scene/project Brainstorming Notes
Theatre Ministry Wk 9 Rehearse Scene/project Script
Theatre Ministry Wk 10 Perform Scene/project Ministry Project Performance
Make-up Wk 11 Make-up/basic Compile make-up kit
Make-up Wk 12 Make-up/specialty Fantastical/scars/specialty
Make-up Wk 13 Make-up/character Famous person/animal
Improv Wk 14 Basic Improv Skills 3 characters developed
Improv Wk 15 Create sketches/games/script Write comedy Sketch
Improv Wk 16 Rehearse Show Practice Improv Games/Sketches
Improv Wk 17 Perform Show Perform for parents
EXAMS Wk 18 Theatre History-PREVIEW Create Christmas Scene
Theatre History Wk 19 Greek/Hebrew/Roman Complete Timeline
Melodrama Wk 20 Melodrama-Medieval Written scenes/Group Project
Tragedy Wk 21 Tragedy-Elizabethan Monologue beats/verbs
Tragedy Wk 22 Monologues from King Lear Perform Monologues
Comedia Wk 23 Italian Renaissance-Mask Making Write /perform a scene
Mime Wk 24 Mime Tenants/Mask Making Finish Mask project
Mime Wk 25 Goethe’s principle of criticism Complete Worksheet
Comedy Wk 26 American Realism/Brighton Beach Memoirs Review sheet on Comedy
Comedy Wk 27 Rehearse Scenes Perform Scenes
Stage Combat Wk 28 Combat/Tumbling/Guest Artist Thank you notes
Stage Combat Wk 29 Sword Play Create a scene
Voice/Body Wk 30 Relaxation/warm up Teach an exercise
Voice/Body Wk 31 Voice Control Rehearse Song
Voice/Body Wk 32 Singing Easter Performance
Technical Theatre Wk 33 Work on Musical Set/production Helping with SET
Technical Theatre Wk 34 Work on Musical Set/production Helping with SET
Auditioning Wk 35 Do’s and Don’ts of Auditioning Audition Workshop
Monologues Wk 36 Mock Auditions Resume
Final Wk 37 Final Monologues Final Performance
Final Wk 38 Written exam/review Written Final Exam
Theatre I
2025 - 2026
Mrs. Tracy McCoy, Instructor
I have read and, by signing below, I acknowledge that I understand all of the above
expectations and stipulations detailed in the course syllabus for Theatre I.
I fully understand the seriousness of cheating and plagiarism as well as the disciplinary
consequences.
I fully understand that this course will require focused and diligent attention throughout
the year.
I have updated my contact information in MyCCA so that I receive communication from
CCA.
I understand the importance of checking MyCCA every day so that I can be informed of my
progress in class and receive important class and school announcements.
Both student and parent have read and agreed to all in class procedures and
policies.
____________________________________________________
Printed Parent's name
____________________________________________________ _________________
Parent's signature Date
____________________________________________________
Printed Student's name
____________________________________________________ _________________
Student's signature Date